living room from Classic COttages by Cindy Cooper Smith

Classic Cottages: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Phyllis Inspiration Leave a Comment

Classic Cottages is a book that inspires me all over again every time I open it. Flipping through, I seem to fold down the corner of a different page than the last time—does anyone else do this? Anyway, be it a corner shelf with collected treasures, a simple floral arrangement, or a flourishing garden, I always discover something beautiful that …

You’ll Be Ready for a Beach Trip After Reading This

Phyllis Inspiration 9 Comments

The sea, for so many of us, represents tranquility and peace. For others, it is a wonderful color palette that inspires beautiful design work. Such is the case for Tracey Rapisardi, and we were absolutely thrilled to publish her new book, Simply by the Sea. Tracey grew up in New England, meaning the coastline and the ocean were influential in …

New Year, Lots of New Magazines!

Phyllis Inspiration 20 Comments

Can you believe it is another New Year? It seems like we just started 2018. We have so many wonderful things going on here at Hoffman Media. Did you know we now own the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo? And the Martha Pullen Company? We are so excited about these wonderful additions to our company. More to come on that! …

fall brunch

September Happenings

Phyllis Inspiration 8 Comments

Well, finally September is here, and I can officially put out all my harvest and pumpkin items. The thrill of autumn never gets old. I can just look at a pumpkin and smell the cinnamon and nutmeg that permeates when I bake a pumpkin pie! The leaves are beginning to turn here in Alabama, and for that, I am grateful. …

Deviled Eggs: A Southern Staple - Cooking with Paula Deen

Deviled Eggs: A Southern Staple

Phyllis Lifestyle 40 Comments

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday in the South. Some of my favorite memories from childhood Sundays are covered-dish lunches at my grandmother’s house. Our table would be covered with a variety of delicious recipes, each in its own colorful dish. I remember as a little girl being especially intrigued by the deviled egg plates. These plates have always caught …

Picking out Paint with Sister

Picking out Paint with Sister

Phyllis Lifestyle 34 Comments

The saga continues. Last week, I needed to select paint colors for the house. This is like going to a candy store and trying to decide which color jelly beans to buy—they’re all so tempting! So I went to the paint store, bought the “fan of paint,” and took it back to my new home with Sister. I spread it …

Gracious Living in the New Year

Gracious Living in the New Year

Phyllis Inspiration 9 Comments

This post is part of the Southern Lady Magazine’s “Gracious Living in the New Year” web series.  When we were designing our new home for the remodel, Neal and I planned one large room to serve as the living room, dining room and piano room with the kitchen opening right into the family room. It’s one room for all. I …

French Style with Vintage Finds

New French Style with Vintage Finds Book Giveaway!

Phyllis Giveaway 50 Comments

I love collecting books, and if you could see my collection, you would think I am nuts. I just love surrounding myself with beautiful books that inspire me. I had the opportunity to go to Paris several years ago. I fell in love with the French style and their way of decorating and collecting. As I wandered the streets looking …

A Heavenly Blue And White Home - Southern Style Spring 2017

A Heavenly Blue And White Home

Phyllis Décor 25 Comments

Blue and white runs in my veins! I love anything blue and white. I wanted to share with you a story that was published in the Spring 2017 Southern Style. It makes me smile just looking at the photos of this blue and white home. I share my love of blue and white with the owner and designer of this …